We're home, but as I mentioned I really hit the floor running.
Because of a health problem, we spent 7 weeks on vacation--up on the coast of Oregon where the temperature was toooo cool and the people are warm.
When we arrived, we began to pray that God would open doors. But what God showed me was that I needed rest, relaxation and regeneration. So, we went clamming, walked the beach, browsed those cute little tourist shops and did a lot of resting.
Later, I had a chance to play and sing with a group of bluegrass/country musicians. So on three Friday nights they sang songs like, "Honky Tonk Angel," or "Tennessee Waltz" and when it was my turn, I sang, "Long Black Train, or "Keep on the Firing Line." DH and I felt God had opened that door so I could pass along a little Gospel music that might open a door in someone's heart. God also opened another door where I was able to speak one Sunday morning for an exhausted pastor.
Once home, we began working at our new church. I'll work with the organizing of a Wed. night praise and worship team. And I'll serve on a Question and Answer Panel with the pastor and one other person. Last Wed. the questions were simple enough. We don't see them ahead of time--just open the question read it aloud and answer it. Questions about the Da Vinci Code, Gifts of the Spirit, end times, women in ministry all flooded in last week. I'm looking forward to this coming Wed. It's a bit like hearing a bunch of mini-sermons.
The new church has been neglected for years--needs a lot more than TLC. The parsonage isn't even liveable, but there are willing hands and willing hearts in that little congregation.
Blessings
Dell, who is glad to be home and glad that God provided a new church and new challenges.
Here are three of the questions asked by the congregation.
1. Why do believers call themselves Christian? What does the word really mean?
2. Why isn't the word "God" used in the book of Esther.
3. How is Assembly of God belief different from other denominations--like Baptist, Presbyterian or Episcopal?
The panel is given no longer than 5 minutes to answer a question. I stumbled on No. 2. Actually, I just told the story of Ester, Mordecai, Haman and talked about Purim. How would you have answered it?
I would have answered that althought the word "God" is not mentioned, you can see God's hand all throughout the book of Esther and His working in people's lives. Sort of like right now...in our everyday lives. We may not "see" him but He is there, doing a powerful work. The word "God", no. The "theme of God and His working", yes.
Let's talk about this SEVEN WEEK VACATION! Incredible! It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I know that we who serve in ministry have got to take some downtime. Rest is so important. I have to remember that myself sometimes because you can truly run yourself ragged.
